Discrimination has been a common topic in recent months, but when the term is used it is not often first associated with housing. Unfortunately, housing discrimination exists, and for 40 years The Toledo Fair Housing Center has been a leading force in the prevention and correction of discrimination in the Toledo housing system.
The Toledo Fair Housing Center was developed in 1975 by the Women of the Old West End Neighborhood Association, concerned citizens, and community organizations. While keeping in mind their three main principles; community, tolerance, and justice, the organization has helped victims take legal action over unjust situations.
One of the most recent cases dealt with a complaint about racial discrimination over Wells Fargo’s Real Estate Owned houses. The houses in the more white dominated areas were much better maintained and marketed than those in primarily Latino and African American areas. The National Fair Housing Alliance and Toledo Fair Housing Center, along with twelve other housing organizations, made an agreement with Wells Fargo to help resolve this particular issue on housing discrimination.
Along with racial issues, the group has helped defend people who have had to deal with sexual, and age harassment. In the past forty years, The Toledo Fair Housing Center has led numerous investigations in the area and helped award over $30 million for victims of discrimination.
In celebration
Many area events have been planned in honor of The Toledo Fair Housing Center’s 40th anniversary. The celebrations kicked off with a march through the Old West End and the dedication of a mural, designed by Yusuf Lateef and Art Corner Toledo. The celebrations continue on Thursday, April 23 with a 40th Anniversary Gala.
The Gala will take place at The Valentine Theatre and begins with a VIP reception at 5:30 and the main attraction starting at 7pm. The celebration will feature the premiere of WGTE’s Toledo Stories Documentary, “The History of the Toledo Fair Housing Center”, which, according to Director of Development Sena Friedman, “features stories of the first groundbreaking cases that affirmatively furthered fair housing in our great nation.”
5:30pm, Thursday, April 23. Tickets $20-150. The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams Street. 419-242-3490.
